Odisha Records 48.95% Voter Turnout by 3 PM Amid Sporadic Violence During 2nd Phase Polling

Bhubaneswar: Odisha saw a voter turnout of 48.95% by 3 PM during the second phase of polling on Monday, marked by incidents of violence in certain areas. Voting was conducted across five Lok Sabha and 35 Assembly constituencies.

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) reported Bargarh Parliamentary constituency achieving the highest turnout at 53.88%, followed by Sundargarh with 48.96%, Kandhamal at 48.93%, Balangir with 46.96% and Aska at 46.23%.

Tension flared in Bhanjanagar as BJD workers allegedly attempted booth capturing in Beruanbadi village under the Turun area. Additionally, an autorickshaw driver was allegedly killed by armed miscreants near a polling booth in Sarsara village, Bargarh district, while transporting voters.

Voting commenced peacefully at 7 AM in Aska, Kandhamal, Balangir, Bargarh and Sundargarh, covering 35 assembly segments.

Forty candidates are contesting the five Lok Sabha seats, while 265 candidates are vying for the 35 assembly seats.

CEO Nikunja Bihari Dhal confirmed that polling was mostly peaceful, despite minor disturbances. EMVs were replaced in some booths during both mock polls and actual voting. Webcasting was implemented at over 5,400 polling stations to ensure transparency.